The NBA has seemingly taken a turn for the worse in many fans opinions since David Stern became Commissioner in 1984. While the NBA gained in TV ratings, the quality of play has seemingly worsened. The league's focus turned away from the teams to its star players, using them as promotional tools to hype each game. It was no longer the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Chicago Bulls; it's Kobe vs. Rose.

While many people will argue that the NFL cannot be rigged, few make the same argument in the NBA's honor. Perhaps it was Jordan & the Bulls winning one too many. Perhaps it was the Tim Donaghy scandal. Or perhaps LeBron James' ESPN-sponsored "Decision" pushed them over the edge.